**Title: Investigation Underway as Southern Right Whale Calves Die in Patagonia**
**Date: September 25, 2026**
**Location: Chubut Province, Argentina**
In a troubling development for marine life in Argentina, dozens of southern right whale calves have been found dead along the Patagonian coast, raising concerns among scientists and local authorities. The alarming mortality rate has prompted an investigation into a potential bacterial infection as the cause of this unusual phenomenon.
Since June of this year, reports of dead whale calves have emerged from Chubut Province, one of the key breeding grounds for southern right whales in the South Atlantic. The situation has escalated to the point where researchers are now examining the possibility of a bacterial infection contributing to the high number of fatalities.
Mariano Coscarella, a researcher at the Marine Mammals Laboratory of the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (Conicet), highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, "The mortality rate among calves is quite high, especially this season." The investigation is focusing on erysipelas, a disease caused by bacteria that are commonly found on the skin of these marine mammals. Initial analyses suggest that a prevalent marine bacterium may be involved, although definitive conclusions have yet to be reached.
Local authorities in Chubut are collaborating with the scientific community to ascertain the root cause of this distressing trend. Coscarella noted that while current evidence points towards a natural cause for the deaths, the potential impact of human activities cannot be entirely dismissed. This ongoing inquiry aims to clarify the situation and develop strategies to mitigate further losses.
The southern right whale, known for its impressive size—reaching lengths of up to 17 meters and weights of around 40 tonnes—has recently seen fluctuations in its population numbers. In 2025, a record count of 2,110 whales was documented in the region, with approximately 800 of those being juveniles. However, this year, the total count has decreased to 1,375, including nearly 400 calves. Despite the concerning number of deaths recorded this season, Coscarella reassured that, at this point, the incident does not pose a medium-term threat to the overall whale population. The species' longevity, with an average lifespan of around 60 years, is a contributing factor to this assessment.
The Valdés Peninsula and nearby Puerto Madryn are recognized as critical habitats for southern right whales, attracting large numbers of these cetaceans annually for mating and calving. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the dynamics of the current situation and ensuring the health of this iconic species in Patagonia.
As scientists work to uncover the underlying causes of the calf deaths, the situation serves as a reminder of the fragility of marine ecosystems and the importance of ongoing research and conservation efforts. The outcome of this investigation may have significant implications not only for the southern right whale population but also for the broader health of marine environments in the region.